Cricket Australia honours Bradman and Packer

Melbourne:Two men who revolutionised the sport in contrasting ways - cricket legend Don Bradman and media mogul Kerry Packer have been named as the most influential figures in Cricket Australia's (CA) history.

Bob Merriman, the CA chairman made the announcement while celebrating its 100th anniversary. "Kerry still has a deep passion for cricket," Merriman told The Australian.

"He still wants laws changed to make it more entertaining. He's proactive and his ideas are very sensible."

Merriman was quick to add that Packer has a "strong view" on television programming and the negotiating for rights between CA and Channel Nine (C9), which Packer owns, could lead to every home Test and One-day match being broadcast live into the host cities.

"Through 100 years we have wanted to make cricket Australia's favourite sport," Merriman said.

"We can't do that if we keep locking a whole lot of people out of seeing it."

It is worth recalling that while Bradman's 20-year batting remains immortal Packer's fight against the establishment resulted in 'Pyjama Cricket' and it was he who showed the world as to how cricket could become a marketable proposition with innovation in marketing and broadcasting of the highest order.